Alexander W. "Alex" McLean

Alex McLean, 86, passed away on Saturday, September 17th, after experiencing a serious fall at home. Alex was born in Mansfield on November 13, 1935, to Walter and Winnie (Smith) McLean as the youngest of three children. The family relocated to East Wenatchee in 1943, where Alex completed school as a “bridge walker” with the Wenatchee High School class of 1953. Alex entered the United States Marine Corps in 1955, serving in San Diego until his honorable discharge in 1957. He married Bonita (Law) McAdoo on May 27, 1967. Alex and Bonita purchased the family ranch from his parents, which was homesteaded in 1887 by his grandfather, Billy McLean. Alex raised wheat, black angus cattle, and apples. He was very active in Mansfield and statewide organizations as past president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and a member of AgForestry Leadership, the Washington Cattlemen’s Association, and the Masons. In addition, he was a board member of the Mansfield School District and Douglas County Conservation District, as well as a charter board member of Mid State Bank. Alex was also a Washington State Legislator for the 12th District from 1986 to 1992. Alex retired in 1998 and he and Bonita moved to Wenatchee. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his family, flying kites, Krispy Kreme donuts, and a good steak. Alex loved his family, his ranch, and his Scottish ancestry. Alex was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Grace (McLean) Lester; brother-in-law Bud Lester; and nephew Don Lester. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonita, of Wenatchee; sister Mae (McLean) Hamilton of Wenatchee; daughter Darby (Dan) Hammond of Wenatchee; daughter Vanessa (Carol Mayer) McLean of Deerfield, IL; grandson Alexander McLean-Bailey (Mami) and their two daughters, Leah and Mila, of Fukuoka, Japan; and many other dear family members. A celebration of Alex’s life will be held at Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home (302 9th Street, Wenatchee, WA) on Saturday, September 24, at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at Bridgeport Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday, September 23, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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Alexander W. "Alex" McLean

November 13, 1935 - September 17, 2022